Sorry, but I couldn’t think of any other way to get your attention to read this review of the obscure tenor saxist Sandy Mosse (1929-1983) who was part of the mainstream Chicago jazz scene back then. His sound and delivery is going to make you take a second look at the personnel on these 1956-58 tracks, as it sounds hauntingly like Getz sessions with Lou Levy from the same era. Mosse has a warm, mellifluous tone, and he bounces lightly with teams that include Junior Mance/p, Bob Cranshaw/b and Leroy Jackson/b on these bopping little tracks. Cy Touff brings his bass trumpet (which sounds like a mellow trombone) into the scene for a session as well, and the result is West Coast cool via Lake Michigan.
Mosse is rich and warmly swinging on “Fools Rush In” and cheerful on “Let’s Get Away From It All.” The team is delightful on toe tappers “Straight Life” and “Clara’s Blues” while Mosse continues to glow on “Clara’s Blues” and “I’m Old Fashioned.” Touff and Mosse team up for a rich “How Long Has This Been Going On” and a trippy “Soulsville.” Mance stretches out on the nice and bluesy read of “Birk’s Works” while Touff’s unique bass trumpet has an intriguing tone, and it works well and can be quite expressive as on a wonderfully agonizing “How Long Has This Been Going On.” Some strings brought in by Bill McCrea add the mood to be wooed with a hint of hep on a session that includes “Speak Low” and “Stella by Starlight,” spotlighting the tenor at its reason for creation. You’re gonna like this guy!
Fresh Sound Records